DELINEATION OF HAZARDS FOR OLDER DRIVERS. VOLUME I

The objective of this research project was to identify conspicuity, recognizability, and comprehensibility problems with object markers, particularly as they relate to the needs and capabilities of the older driver. This was accomplished through a series of tasks and three sets of experiments (problem identification, laboratory and field studies) which determined through empirical research the effect of selected enhancements on the design and implementation of current object markers. Specifically, emphasis was placed on optimizing the design and implementation of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 object markers in order to increase conspicuity, recognizability, and comprehension, while eliminating confusion with other devices. Changes including size, color, shape, placement, and symbology were investigated under daytime and nighttime conditions for various roadway geometries. Additionally, object markers employing active technology (e.g., flashing beacons) were evaluated for comprehension and conspicuity in a field setting. While the specific meanings of current markers were not necessarily well understood by subjects, the general message of caution, general hazard, or general warning was typically conveyed in a field setting. Findings from the studies of static markers did not produce results that strongly support the adoption of new markers over existing object markers. While novel markings generally led to higher conspicuity, the magnitude of this improvement was small and generally not statistically significant. Using the findings from the lab and field studies, a cost-benefit analysis found that for the passive markers, two of the new novel markers (Double Modified Chevron and cone symbol) demonstrated good results when a high weight was placed on conspicuity. The device with the lowest benefit-cost payoff was the painted pavement hash marks. None of the additional costs of the active device applications were justified on the basis of the cost-benefit analysis. Recommendations for changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) were discussed and suggestions were made for future research.

• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/68079
• Corporate Authors:

  Comsis Corporation

  8737 Colesville Road
  Silver Spring, MD  United States  20910

  Federal Highway Administration

  Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, 6300 Georgetown Pike
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Lerner, N D
  • Benel, DCR
  • Huey, R W
  • Steinberg, G V
• Publication Date: 1997-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 152 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged drivers; Beacons; Benefit cost analysis; Color; Comprehension; Daylight; Field studies; Flashing beacons; Future; Hazard markings; Laboratory studies; Location; Night; Perception; Problem identification; Recommendations; Research; Shape; Size; Symbols; Visibility
• Identifier Terms: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Uncontrolled Terms: Future research; Object markers
• Old TRIS Terms: Placement; Recognition
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00740760
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-96-161, NCP 3B3a-0242, Final Report
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-92-C-00043
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 29 1997 12:00AM